On January 29, 2026, officers responded to a call for shoplifting at Ulta at 83XX Highway 7, in the City of St. Louis Park, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota. Officers learned that a known shoplifter was inside the store and staff indicated they wanted her trespassed. Officers were told that the individual had made a return but did not purchase any items. Officers arrived and located the individual, who was identified as Jenna Kay Austin [DOB REDACTED]. Officers observed what appeared to be unopened fragrances that were still in plastic wrapping in plain view in Austin’s purse.
Officers spoke with staff, who indicated they saw Austin reaching for merchandise and then for her purse inside the store, and that Austin had not purchased anything before leaving. Officers searched Austin’s purse and located two “Pretty Peony” fragrances that Ulta staff confirmed had been stolen. Officers asked Austin if she had any additional stolen merchandise, and Austin handed officers two additional items. Officers placed Austin under arrest and found an additional six stolen items on her person.
The combined value of the stolen merchandise was approximately $1,131.00. In a post-Miranda statement, Austin told officers that she was stealing fragrances to trade for fentanyl. Staff indicated to officers that Austin had previously been trespassed from Ulta but did not provide a trespass notice at the time. Austin has prior felony theft convictions from February 5, 2024 in 27-CR-23- 20462, and March 3, 2025 in ••-CR-••-•••• and a prior gross misdemeanor theft conviction from March 3, 2025 in ••-CR-••-••••. Austin is currently on probation in these cases.
The complaint may be amended upon receipt of the trespass notice. Austin is currently in custody.
